Generation of Vipers

Back in 1968, I read Vipers and was blown away. I wrote Mr. Wylie a letter about how much I liked the book and how my own life was moving toward rebellion. I never expected to hear from the author, but I did. He wrote back saying that the publication of Vipers had ruined his life and his family's, especially his daughter's. He disavowed his insights and told me to forget trying to buck "the system." Nevertheless, it took courage for him to express his views and despite his warning, I followed his lead.

I first read this book in eighth grade, stealing it off my father's bookshelf next to the "photography" books. In 1963, this book was 21 years old and still way ahead of its time and simultaneously dated. A great way to learn perspective and curmudgeondry from a logorrheic genius. I keep it low on the shelves, but my 21st century progeny haven't developed the wit to find it. They're too glued to the Nintendo. Oh generation of slugs!

This is not a book; it's more akin to Henry Miller's "gob of spit" or Celine's molitov cocktales. In this rant session, (which is brilliant, on the mark and hilarious) Wylie pulls no punches, bombasting every segment of US society. Yes, this is the same Phillip Wylie who wrote all those spy, adventure, mystery & (eegads!) romance novels! You've gotta read it to believe it!

Wylie is a genius. His prose is explosive, combative and heretical. He inveighs against society, government and the state of man in a hightly entertaining style.

Generation of Vipers was written in 1942? Wow! My copy is an old beat-up pocketbook I found in Chapel Hill NC a few years back. It seemed like it was only written yesterday then and seems the same when I pick it up this morning.